1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 328 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 665 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lexus IS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Lexus IS (502 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Mercury Tracer | 2012 Lexus IS | |
Make | Mercury | Lexus |
Model | Tracer | IS |
Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1859 cc | 5000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 88 HP | 416 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 502 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1715 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4661 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1816 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1415 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2731 mm |